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Bus discipline numbers fall as district adds bus aides and 'second-chance' shuttle
Summary
District transportation staff reported a downward trend in bus referrals and suspensions across most schools after adding 10 bus aide positions and implementing rotational monitoring and a second‑chance transportation shuttle; the district also clarified shuttle hours and procedures.
Transportation and student support staff told the board that bus conduct referrals and many suspension categories have trended downward over the most recent semesters.
Presenters said the district added 10 new bus aide positions and implemented rotational assignments so aides and drivers rotate across routes; increased adult supervision and greater driver observation were cited as reasons for fewer referrals. Staff highlighted that many bus incidents involve the need for “constant coaching” and that the district is emphasizing on-route coaching and assigned seats, especially at the elementary level.
The presentation included school-by-school and grade-by-grade breakdowns showing downward trends at several elementary and middle schools; presenters acknowledged some isolated increases (for example, at a residential program or where ridership rose) and said those were being addressed with targeted interventions. District staff explained a second-chance transportation shuttle designed to address on-time ridership and absenteeism: parents call the school, the school calls transportation, dispatch tracks location by GPS and a shuttle is sent when feasible; the shuttle operates through 11:00 a.m. after routes complete (not on delayed starts or early releases).
Staff also reported reductions in single-day bus suspensions during the first semester and near-halving of two- and three-day suspensions, attributing declines to on-site administrative conferences, improved driver coaching and the presence of aides. Board members asked whether a transportation director had been hired; presenters said district staff were filling interim roles and that the hiring process is ongoing.
District staff said they will present student success stories at future meetings to demonstrate the programmatic impact beyond raw numbers.
No board action was taken; the board thanked drivers and maintenance staff for efforts during inclement weather and for meal deliveries.
